Ultimate Guide to London Sports Bars & Game Night Spots
Looking for a spot in London where you can catch the big match, throw a few darts, or roll a perfect pool break? This guide takes you through the city’s top London sports bars, the coolest game‑filled pubs, and the insider tips that turn a regular night out into an unforgettable experience.
What Defines a Great Sports Bar in the Capital?
In London, a sports bar isn’t just about a TV screen. It blends loud cheers with a lively atmosphere, offers multiple viewing angles, and usually throws in a side of games - think darts, pool, or even retro arcade cabinets. The best venues keep the crowd buzzing, serve hearty food that pairs well with pints, and stay open late enough to cover after‑match celebrations.
Here’s the quick checklist you’ll see repeated across the top spots:
- Multiple HD screens covering football, rugby, cricket, and UFC.
- Robust Wi‑Fi for live‑score updates and social sharing.
- Dedicated game zones - darts, pool, table‑tennis, or board‑game shelves.
- Menu focused on shareable plates: wings, nachos, burgers, and loaded fries.
- Easy access via the London Underground or night‑time buses.
Top 5 Sports Bars for Live Matches
These five venues consistently rank highest among locals and tourists for watching Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and Six Nations games.
| Venue | Location | Main Sports Covered | Gaming Options | Price Range (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belushi's London | Piccadilly, WC2 | Football, Rugby, UFC | Darts, Pool, Foosball | 10‑30 |
| Roxy Ball Room | Shoreditch, E1 | Football, Cricket, Boxing | Pool, Table‑tennis, Arcade | 12‑35 |
| The Sports Bar & Grill | West End, W1 | Football, NBA, NHL | Foosball, Darts | 15‑40 |
| Waxy O’Phone Pub | Camden, NW1 | Rugby, GAA, Soccer | Board Games, Trivia | 8‑25 |
| The Bunker | Old Street, EC1 | Football, MMA, eSports | eSports booths, VR | 20‑45 |
All five spots sit within a 15‑minute tube ride from central London, making hopping between venues a breeze.
Game‑Centric Pubs: Darts, Pool, Table‑Tennis, and More
If you want the night to be less about the broadcast and more about friendly competition, these game‑focused pubs deliver.
- Darts: Head to Roxy Ball Room - the city’s biggest dartboards, weekly leagues, and a £5 starter pack for newcomers.
- Pool: Belushi's London boasts six high‑quality tables, perfect for a quick eight‑ball showdown before the match starts.
- Table‑Tennis: The Roxy Ball Room also includes two professional‑grade tables that stay open late on Fridays.
- Board Games: Waxy O’Phone Pub has a rotating shelf of classics - Catan, Ticket to Ride, and even adult-only strategy games - all free with a drink purchase.
Most venues run a “Game Night” schedule on Tuesdays and Thursdays, featuring discounts on drinks for participants.
Hybrid Venues: Where Drinks Meet Digital
London’s nightlife scene isn’t stuck in the past. A new wave of hybrid bars mixes traditional sports viewing with modern gaming tech.
- The Bunker: Located near Old Street, this spot offers massive wall‑mounted screens for live sports while also housing a dedicated eSports arena where you can join tournaments for games like FIFA and Call of Duty.
- Shuffle: In Southbank, Shuffle blends a rooftop bar with retro arcade cabinets - Pac‑Man, Street Fighter, and pinball machines line the walls, and a DJ spins tracks during halftime.
- Flapper (in Soho): A speakeasy vibe with a secret room full of VR headsets. Catch a match on the main floor, then slip into VR for a quick virtual football match of your own.
These hybrid spots attract a younger crowd and are perfect for a night that starts with a game and ends with a celebration.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Night Out
- Book ahead. Most top sports bars take reservations for large groups, especially on match days.
- Check the schedule. Premier League games usually kick off at 15:00, 17:30, or 20:00 GMT. Use the official BBC Sport app to confirm times.
- Travel smart. Grab an Oyster card; most venues are a one‑ or two‑stop tube ride away. Late‑night buses run every 15 minutes on the night‑shift routes.
- Budget wisely. Expect a £5‑£8 pint, plus £10‑£15 for a plate of wings. Some bars offer a "Match Day Combo" for £20.
- Stay safe. Keep an eye on your belongings, drink water between pints, and use licensed taxis if you’re far from the tube.
Quick Checklist Before You Head Out
- Confirm match start time and venue screen lineup.
- Reserve a table (online or via phone).
- Charge your phone - you’ll need it for scores and ride apps.
- Bring a light jacket - many pubs stay chilly after the doors close.
- Load your Oyster card or have a contactless payment ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which London sports bar has the biggest screen?
The Bunker’s main floor features a 120‑inch LED screen that’s the largest dedicated sports display in Central London.
Do I need a reservation for a Premier League match?
It’s highly recommended. Bars like Belushi's and Roxy Ball Room fill up within minutes of the kickoff announcement.
Are there any budget‑friendly options?
Waxy O’Phone Pub offers a "Pub Quiz & Pint" combo for £12, covering a drink and a seat for the quiz‑style game night.
Can I play video games while watching a match?
Yes - The Bunker’s eSports booths let you switch between live sport feeds and popular titles like FIFA.
What’s the best transport option after midnight?
Night‑time buses (N3, N15) run every 10‑15 minutes, and licensed minicabs are available via apps like Uber or Addison Lee.
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on where to watch, play, and celebrate, grab your crew, head out, and enjoy the best of London’s sports‑bar and game‑night scene. Cheers!
somya katiyar
October 25, 2025 AT 14:09If you’re planning a night out, start by checking which tube line gets you closest to the venue. The Piccadilly Line will drop you off just steps from Belushi’s in Piccadilly. For Roxy Ball Room, the nearest stop is Shoreditch High Street on the Overground. Booking a table ahead can save you from the last‑minute scramble when the match kicks off. Most places allow you to reserve online via their website or a quick call. Arrive a bit early to claim a good spot near the screens, especially if you want the big 120‑inch one at The Bunker. If you’re on a budget, Waxy O’Phone Pub runs a Pub Quiz & Pint combo that includes a drink and a seat for the quiz‑style game night. Their board‑game shelf is stocked with Catan, Ticket to Ride, and a few adult‑only strategy games that are free with a drink purchase. Don’t forget to bring a portable charger; you’ll need your phone for live‑score updates and to snap a few pics for the ‘gram. A light jacket is a good idea because many pubs crank the air conditioning once the doors close. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in the louder sections where crowds surge after a goal. For those who want to mix gaming with sports, The Bunker’s eSports booths let you jump into a FIFA match between halves. Their VR room at Flapper in Soho offers a quick virtual football experience if you’re feeling adventurous. Late‑night buses (N3, N15) run every 10‑15 minutes, so you won’t be stranded after the final whistle. If you prefer a ride‑share, Uber and Addison Lee are plentiful around Old Street and Shoreditch. And finally, stay hydrated – water between pints helps you keep your edge for the darts tournament later on.
Timi Shodeyi
October 25, 2025 AT 14:42Checking the match schedule on the BBC Sport app ensures you're not caught off‑guard by a time shift. Most Premier League games start at 15:00, 17:30, or 20:00 GMT, but occasional midweek fixtures can be at 14:00. Keep your Oyster card topped up; a single journey on the tube costs £2.40, and night buses are a cheap alternative after midnight. If you prefer a budget‑friendly bite, the loaded fries at Waxy O’Phone Pub cost around £6 and pair well with a pint. Remember to book a table if you're gathering a group of four or more, as the popular spots fill up fast.
F. Erich McElroy
October 25, 2025 AT 15:16Honestly, if you think you need a fancy VR headset to enjoy a match, you’re missing the point. A decent pint, a good screen, and a few friends beating you at darts is all the culture you’ll ever need. All this hype about e‑sports booths is just a gimmick for tourists who can’t handle a proper pub atmosphere.
Brittany Parfait
October 25, 2025 AT 15:49The night lights up when the final buzzer sounds!
Renee Bach
October 25, 2025 AT 16:22Sounds like a solid plan 😊. Grab your crew, hop on the tube, and let the screens do the talking. If you’re feeling extra, swing by The Bunker’s eSports arena for a quick FIFA round – it’s a low‑key way to keep the adrenaline flowing 🎮. And don’t forget the post‑match pizza; many spots have a 20 % off deal after 22:00 🍕.